Led by visionary Marc Kent and winemaker Gottfried Mocke, Boekenhoutskloof continues to represent the pinnacle of South African fine wine. Their limited 2022 Sémillon is one of the Cape’s greatest whites, with near-perfect scores from Tim Atkin, Platter’s Guide and Matthew Jukes.
A Wine Cellar favourite year-on-year, we particularly love the crystalline fruit, perfectly judged oak and chiselled acidity in 2022. This ageworthy Sémillon is produced from three old-vine certified vineyards – the oldest planted in 1902.
For those who lean towards reds, Boekenhoutskloof’s latest Syrah and Cabernets are just as compelling. Matthew Jukes calls the 2022 Syrah an ‘enthralling wine‘, flirting with perfection at 19+/20. With 90% Porseleinberg fruit, it has ‘a thrilling perfume that resembles a lusty Morey-Saint-Denis‘.
The 19+/20 pt Franschhoek Cabernet 2022 is ‘sheer heaven’, says Jukes. While this wine can easily mature for a decade, its incredible drinkability makes it hard to resist. ‘I, for one, will be attacking this wine indecently early in its life,’ he continues. We enjoy the distinctive varietal character of the 95-point 2022 Stellenbosch Cabernet (Tim Atkin). Moreish with a chalky, graphite finish, this ‘roguish Pauillac-dimensioned wine counterpoints the grace and elegance of its sibling Cab with visible definition’ (Jukes).
Tasting Notes:
Boekenhoutskloof Sémillon 2022
‘This ancient vine Semillon (with its hints of blushing Muscat) has never looked more alluring. The expansive but slender chassis gives way to a brittle, teasing finish, and the floral, silver needle, and jasmine notes are overwhelmingly rhythmic and hypnotic. 2022 Boek Sem experience is like no other Semillon on earth.’ – Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com, 19/20
‘”Wow!”. That sums up what I feel about the latest vintage of this stunning Semillon from three parcels in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942. One of the Cape’s greatest whites, made by one of its most talented winemakers in Gottfried Mocke, it has aromas of saffron, lanolin and nutmeg, stylish 70% new wood, a touch of petrichor and aniseed and layers of citrus, lemongrass and gunflint.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 98/100
‘With a thrilling perfume that resembles a lusty Morey-Saint-Denis more than a hulking Cornas, this sensual, pliable Syrah has embraced the multifaceted vintage conditions, unveiling an uncommonly prescient and enthralling wine. Totally integrated tannins beneath a shimmering, black-fruited carapace of flesh and spice, this is a genial fellow and the most approachable and civilised Swartland creation in a decade.’ – Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com, 19+/20
Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
‘Sheer heaven, this is a gorgeous slice of Saville Row couture with refreshing herbal hints shot through the fabric of this svelte, perfectly tailored cassis-soaked wine. Expressive and crisply acidic, I, for one, will be attacking this wine indecently early in its life to wallow in its pristine geometry and crystalline forest fruit freshness. But there is no hurry. Knowing full well how these wines can age, you can relax for a decade should you so choose.’ – Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com, 19+/20
Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ‘Bold, ripe, juicy and swaggering, this roguish Pauillac-dimensioned wine counterpoints the grace and elegance of its sibling Cab with visible definition rippling through its garments. There is harmony from the off, which, again, belies its age, further demonstrating that bigger, more showy styles can still be crafted with innate balance if you have the skills, and the Dastardly Duo can do this with their eyes shut.’ – Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com, 18.5+/20
